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sending out yet another couple of swap packages. Maybe it is just me, b/c I've been doing a lot of swaps lately, but I dread going to the post office with these! The post office workers get this look in their eyes (like, oh no, it's her again ) as I approach, especially if there is a line. No biggie with the outgoing envelope that gets the metered stamp, but SASE is another story...they gotta drag out that big book of odd-sized stamps, ring them all up individually, then place them all (sometimes 5+ of them) on the envelope... There are two post offices about the same distance from my house, and I've started alternating between the two just so I don't have to keep getting the same looks from the same people all of the time! Anybody else feel this way?
Debbie
That happened to me yesterday morning !!! I had asked that everyone include an extra stamp, just in case, so I didn't seal the packages until I knew everything was accurate. Finally the person at the window asked me, "okay so why can't you seal them until you know how much it costs?" !!! :P When I explained everything, she laughed, but still seemed a bit confused (obviously not into swaps) !!!
I have two types of scales - the spring loaded type and a digital. Both are great!
When you're figuring out postage, the first ounce is 37 cent, each additional ounce is 23 cents - same as a postcard. The post office has a great booklet for customers that explains how to figure all of the postages, and their website has all the info you need.
Have you tried purchasing postage on-line at the USPS website? It's the best! At the holidays, I was able to order all of the Christmas stamps I wanted even when they were out at the post office. It cost me $1 handling fee and I had them in 2 days. :lol:
Paisley Princess - your avatar is great...that's exactly how I look when I go into the post office!
I think I should invest in a postage scale. Where do you get it? An office supply store? I wonder if viking has one...we should get a discount code on those!
Debbie
I got mine on ebay years ago when I used to do alot of selling of rare books. I don't think I got a great deal but any office supply store should have them.
debbie88...I do the same exact thing! I alternate and feel like a big goober whenever I go into either b/c the postal workers just dont get it!! I even tried to explain to one of them but they have less than zero personality so they really weren't interested...I just bought a diet scale at the grocery store for $10...sent my first pkg today after using it...it was pretty accurate...I think I may just add .12 to each package just to be safe, but it saves holding up the line and getting the looks...now I just have them weigh the whole thing, put the strip on and I'm done...I dread the thought of hosting a swap and having to bring all those packages in to be weighed, sealed and sent! Maybe some day...
I got my at Sam's club or BJ's I bought it for weighing soaping oils, but it is small postal scale and came with a rate chart for the different mail classifications. I think at that time it was around 20.00
I have one word for you ladies... STAMPS.COM! Changed my life! It costs about $5 a month, or 10% of the postage you use, whichever is higher. But.... no more post office!!! You can print out envelopes, shipping labels (on plain paper, including the postage), and -- get this -- STAMPS! You can make them whatever demonination you need. I've had it for years (about 4?) and couldn't live without it. I can even print a redate sticker if something gets delayed past the original mailing date.
And... they are very easy to deal with if you have a misprint or something and need to have the postage refunded. They do the electronic tracking. It's such a great tool!
__________________ RT - In-house Bunny Chaser "It takes a lot of money to look this cheap."- Dolly Parton
I get those looks too. LOL I go to 2 different Post office branches. Just because of where I work and when my errand time is.
The last swap I sent got me a long lecture on oz, postal rates, etc. the guy wouldn't even listen to me as I said, I understand all of what you saying, I still needed that extra stamp inside. He also tried to tell me it would come postage due and I could pay it then. Duh, if the swap host address is in the return label they send it back to her.
I think I'm purchasing a scale. I wish I could pick who waits on me there.
I get 60 cent stamps, then a supply of 23 cent stamp...you can get any weight with those two stamps because each extra ounce is 23 cents :lol:
Oh, and I use the scale in the front of the post office for the return amount, then stand in line for the metered strip.
Well that is lucky for you. After teaching customers like yourself how to do it, the PO took the lobby scale at at BOTH of the closest PO to my house. At one PO they took out the vending machine, too. Both now have an Automated machine that only take credit cards and issue meter-like postage. Of course you can't use those for return postage so it was pretty much a waste.
I final broke down and got a scale. I did get it from the Post Ofice but only because it was exactly the one I wanted. Plus, they were having a employee discount special on merchandise (which I only know of one other time they did that). The lady knew I worked for the PO and was trying to sell me a lapel pen or stationary. I asked about the scales and she looked at the memo and said why not.
We have the automated machine in the front of our post offices and it's great. It only takes credit cards. So I can go to the post office any time whether they are closed or not
Gosh, my children would kill me! I go to the post office every other day and mail about 25 books or cds. With a 4 year old and a 2 year old this is quite fun!
Iris and Bob, the postal clerks, always have suckers or some treat for my kids. They love my two like their own! Gee, on second thought I would miss going too!
Gosh, my children would kill me! I go to the post office every other day and mail about 25 books or cds. With a 4 year old and a 2 year old this is quite fun!
Iris and Bob, the postal clerks, always have suckers or some treat for my kids. They love my two like their own! Gee, on second thought I would miss going too!
We still go to drop stuff... we just don't have to stand in line and deal with some of the clerks others have mentioned. Sounds to me like you have found exceptional clerks!
__________________ RT - In-house Bunny Chaser "It takes a lot of money to look this cheap."- Dolly Parton
I just bought one at Staples for $16.99
works great!
I also downloaded Java to do my own prority mail labels. Save me time and .45 each time I send a package. I have an assortment of the packages at home as you can take as many as you want! So I can how weigh them too. If you have not add Click-N- Ship to your computer please do it is so easy. Just go to www.usps.com. Sure makes sell on E-Bay so much faster!
Cindy
Most of the clerks at the post offices that I go to around here finally understand what I am doing BUT the local and closer post office to me only carries stamps that are 0.37 or under!! Do you know how many of those it takes if you are using priority mail, UGH!! So needless to say I have to trek it out to the next closest post office.
Just back from the post office
